Kolamrefers to intricate
patterns drawn both free handedly and by joining dots. These can be widely seen
in the Southern part of India. Women draw this early morning, preferably before
Sunrise after cleaning the courtyard. Earlier rice powder was used – it was a
means to feed ants and small insects. However, these days, stone powder and
even chalk is used. If such powders are used, it is calledPudi Kolam. Sometimes, brick
powder will be used as outline on auspicious days, Tuesdays and Fridays. If
rice powder is mixed in water and similar patterns are drawn, it is calledMaavu/Maa Kolam. In West
Bengal, it is calledAlpona.
In North India, people used rice/stone powders for the outline and fill the patterns
with colors. This is calledRangoli.

It
is believed that Kolam brings prosperity. It is drawn for almost all the
auspicious occasions like marriages and festivals. When someone dies in the
household, the family don’t draw any kolam for a year.

Children
in small towns learn the art of making kolam at a very young age. In fact, a
girl who knows to draw impeccable and intricate kolam is a pride for the entire
family and the village she stays. However, owing to modernization, city life
and apartment culture, this art is soon dying.